Outside of shoeing horses on the King Ranch, Wes runs his own fairering business in the area. Shoeing horses takes a great deal of skill and patience. Wes “Hot Fits” a shoe to the back foot of a horse in order to increase stability. To do this, the horseshoe needs to be heated up in a forge and pressed hot against the hoof which creates an area for the shoe to fit. Since the hoof is made up of the same proteins found in human nails, the horse does not feel the burn.
PHOTO BY COLE EBERLE / MPW.60